Thursday, December 19, 2013

Today is easily my favorite day of the trip with Team Stars and Stripes. We ventured to a poor part of Monterrey and spent the afternoon with some elementary school children. The team was broken up into two groups. The first group worked hard to paint a wall that will become a mural, as well as concrete picnic tables and other areas that had been painted in graffiti. In the other group, out guys were attempting, though not quite successfully (significant language barrier) to learn some of American Football rules. The guys were able to get a few games of passing the ball in a circle and keep away going, but that was as close as we got to football. Our team came with lots of give-aways, shirts, shorts, hats, water bottles, etc.

I was extremely proud of our Foresters. We preach civic responsibility throughout our program, and to see these guys continue to perform on a global stage was awesome for me.

Here are a few pictures of our guys volunteering:

Eddie Dobernig playing catch with some of the students.

Nick Waters and Greg Alonso painting a table.

Jake Rotkvich and John Dillon giving autographs.

Jordan Cruz (Right Standing) painting an arts and crafts sink.

Jake Rotkvich having a 1 on 1 talk with one of the students.

Members of the team helping organize keep away-- Eddie Dobernig and Michael Garetto-Balmer are in the back.

In Lake Forest College's 31-3 victory over St. Norbert College last Saturday, the Foresters recorded two single game records.

Sophomore Wide Receiver George Vidas caught 4 passes for 158 yards. His 39.5 yards per catch is a new school record, breaking the previous record of 27.8 yards per catch by Dan Carter '10 in 2006 vs. Monmouth College.

Senior Quarterback Mike Lewis etched his name in the Forester Football annals as well. His 16-22 for 299 yards and 3 TD's ranks as the highest single game QB Efficiency ranking in Forester history. The astounding 231.9 QBR ranking bested Lewis' former teammate Pete Scaffidi '13 and his 219.9 rating that he recorded against Cornell College in 2012.

Here is a Video of their first big pass of the day as Lewis connects with Vidas for a 78 yard touchdown:

Offense: Senior WR Mike Peters (Buffalo, NY) Mike had a solid game for the Foresters as he hauled in 5 receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. His 20.8 yards per catch was the fifth highest total in school history.

Defense: Senior LB Bryce Jones (Dysart, AZ) Bryce had two tackles for a loss, and helped the Forester defense hold the Ripon run game over 100 yards below their per game average.

Special Teams Player of the Week: Junior, Returner, Joey Kropp (Rolling Meadows, IL) Joey had a great day for the Foresters and recorded the first punt return for a touchdown in the first half to give the Foresters a 7-0 lead. Kropp's 41 yard TD return was his second longest return of the day as he also had a 50 yard kickoff return as well. He topped the century mark in return yards for the day as well.

Lineman of the Week: Junior NG, Ramel Samuel (Phoenix, AZ) Ramel was a stout force in the middle and forced much of the Ripon run game to go off tackle. Ramel made it possible for others to make many of the tackles they did by keeping blockers off of them.

Scout Player of the Week: Sophomore WR Jared Russ (Horseheads, NY) - Jared served the team as the option QB for the week and did a great job preparing the Forester Defense for the option.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

The Forester Coaching Staff announced the players of the Week for the Game against Cornell College.

Offensive Player of the Week: Senior WR Mike Peters (Buffalo, NY) Mike had three catches on the day including a 21 yard touchdown to start the scoring for the Foresters.

Defensive Player of the Week: Senior CB Eddie Dobernig (New Berlin, WI) Eddie forced an interception, had a fumble return for a touchdown, and accounted for six tackles on the day. Dobernig's return for a TD gave the Foresters a two score lead in the second half.

Special Teams Player of the Week: Sophomore Punter/Kicker Jon Gurchak (Grayslake, IL). Gurchak tied a school record with 12 punts, and averaged 38 yards per punt on a windy day. Gurchak also drilled a 25 yard field goal, and three of his four kickoffs went for touchbacks.

Lineman of the Week: Senior DL Taylor Holzmeyer (St. Louis, Mo). Holzmeyer was a destructive force for the Foresters. He recorded 1 sack, 1 tackle for a loss, 7 tackles overall, a pass break up, and three QB hurries.

Scout Team Player of the Week: Freshman Safety Blake Waller (Oak Forest, IL) Waller had several interceptions during the week for the scout team, and was a valuable member of the special teams scout squad as well.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Senior Defensive Back Eddie Dobernig and Sophomore Jonathan Gurchak were named the MWC Players of the Week by the conference. Dobernig, who had three pass break ups, an interception, and a 33 yard fumble return for a touchdown helped pace a stout Forester defensive effort. Gurchak, tied a school record with 12 punts, where he averaged 39 yards per punt. He also recorded touch-backs on three of his four kickoffs, and made a 25 yard field goal on the day.

"It is a great honor for both guys. I was impressed with the confidence that the both played with. Their efforts on Saturday were true catalysts to the success of the team. I could be happier for each of them," said Head Football Coach Jim Catanzaro.

The Forester Coaching Staff announced their players of the week in the Foresters 17-14 victory over Monmouth College last Saturday.

Offensive Player of the Week: Senior QB Mike Lewis (Tucson, AZ). Mike had a very effective and efficient game with both his arm and his legs on Saturday. Mike was 17-28 for 157 yards throwing the football, and he had a hearty 73 yards rushing on 7 carries. Mike also added a rushing touchdown on the afternoon.

Defensive Player of the Week: Senior DL Taylor Holzmeyer (St. Louis, MO). Taylor spurred the Foresters first score of the afternoon when he picked off a screen pass. Additionally, Taylor recorded a sack, and a tackle for a loss among his 6 tackles on the day.

Special Teams Player of the Week: Freshman LS Brendan Lawler (Chicago, IL). Brendan had perfect snaps on 5 kick attempt including
the first score of the game on Jonathan Gurchak's field goal.

Scout Team Player of the Week: Freshman RB Nick Cole (Scottsdale, AZ). Nick played the role of Monmouth All-Conference Tailback Trey Yocum all week in practice. The Forester defense held Monmouth to an average of 1.5 yards per carry on the day and limited Yocum to 42 yards on 18 carries.

Lineman of the Week: Junior DL Ramel Samuel (Phoenix, AZ). Ramel's efforts in the middle of the Forester defense were noticed by all of his teammates. His ability to create havoc on the Monmouth blocking schemes, and re-establish the line of scrimmage helped the Forester defense perform admirably on the day.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

The Forester Coaching staff announced their players of the week for the Illinois College Game:

Offensive Player of the Week: Senior WR Mike Peters (Buffalo, NY) - Mike recorded seven catches for thirty-nine yards. "Mike made a number of great catches, we just weren't able to get the ball to him in a position to make more yardage. His route running was exceptional," said Coach Catanzaro.

Defensive Player of the Week: Junior DB Joey Kropp (Arlington Heights, IL)- Joey recorded 8 solo tackles, and was in on 10 tackles in all. "In an otherwise disappointing day defensively, Joey was aggressive and found himself involved in both the run and pass defense throughout the game. I was quite pleased with his effort," commented Coach Catanzaro.

Special Teams Player of the Week: Sophomore TE Luke Capon (Chicago, IL)- Luke was a feature on the Foresters Kickoff Return unit and had several crushing blocks throughout the day. "We haven't had Luke available for a few weeks due to injury. His return to the field showed exactly what we have been missing. I look forward to seeing his role on special teams increase dramatically this upcoming week," noted Coach Catanzaro.

Scout Team Player of the Week: Freshman QB Justen Ruppe (Lake Oswego, OR)- Justen did a great job running the scout team offense for the Foresters. "Justen gave us a great look. We were able to work on some things that had been a big part of their offense the previous weeks," said Coach Catanzaro.

Lineman of the Week: Senior OG Paul Daizovi (Dania, FL)- Paul was physical in his blocking throughout the day, and much of the Foresters offensive production was found running behind Paul.
"Paul has given great leadership throughout the season. I also believe that the Paul worked his hardest throughout the game to keep our offensive line in a pushing mode. Paul could not have given more effort on Saturday," said Coach Catanzaro.

The Foresters return to action on Saturday at Farwell Field to take on the visiting Monmouth Scots.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

The Forester Coaching staff announced their Football Players of the week for the 14-13 Homecoming victory over Carroll University on Saturday.

Freshman Alex Pasiewicz breaking a tackle on the way to his first career rushing touchdown.

Offensive Player of the Week: Running Back Alex Pasiewicz (Fr.- Zion-Benton High School, Beach Park, IL) 8 Carries for 60 yards 1Td. Alex scored the game-winning touchdown with just over four minutes to go. He also effectively helped run down the clock at the end of the fourth quarter.

Senior John Dillon returning his interception on Saturday.

Defensive Player of the Week: Linebacker John Dillon (Sr.-Basha High School, Gilbert, AZ) 10 Tackles, 1 Interception. "JD played a very physical game. He had a fire and intensity that was critical to our success. He and fellow senior Bryce Jones were competing to see who could make the biggest impact and they both were fantastic," said Coach Catanzaro.

Senior Bryce Jones preparing for the attack.

Special Teams Player of the Week: Linebacker Bryce Jones (Sr.-Dysart High School, Dysart, AZ) Bryce blocked Carroll's second extra point attempt of the day, which allowed the Foresters to claim a one point victory. Jones also stood out on defense with 10 tackles and five quarterback hurries/knockdowns.

Scout Team Player of the Week: Defensive Lineman Brendan Powers (Fr.-Oak Forest High School, Oak Forest, IL) "Brendan performed admirably all through the week, and gave our offense fits during the course of the week," said Coach Catanzaro.

Holzmeyer looking to attack the Carroll Offensive Line

Lineman of the Week: Defensive Lineman Taylor Holzmeyer (Sr. Hazelwood West High School, St. Louis, Mo) Holzmeyer collected six tackles, including three tackles for a loss, and two sacks. Holzmeyer also crossed over to the offensive side of the ball and was the lead blocker on the game winning touchdown and helped the Foresters average 8.43 yards per carry when he was on the field. "Taylor was extremely disruptive. His ability to create havoc in the offensive backfield was a big deterrent to their ability to extend drives against us. On offense, he came in, and helped us really push the ball down field and create a mismatch for his strength," explained Coach Catanzaro.

"Pat made some exceptional plays on Saturday. His ability to pick off two passes, and make tackles on both sides of the line of scrimmage is exceptional. He has continued to become more vocal for our defense and is critical in making our checks and adjustments. He did a great job of that, and I'd say that was a bigger contribution than any one play. I am sure that if you ask Pat, he'll tell you that there were several plays he wishes he would have made. He's that type of guy, he's not satisfied just because he won an award. He wants to do even more, which is why he has a bright future for us," said Coach Catanzaro.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Sophomore Kicker Jonathan Gurchak hit the perfect trifecta on player of the week honors in the Foresters 15-7 victory over Grinnell College this week. Gurchak was named the Coaches Special Teams Player of the Week, the Midwest Conference Special Teams Player of the Week, and the Forester Athlete of the Week. The MWC honor was Gurchak's second of the season.

"Jon did a tremendous job. Two things that didn't show up on the stat sheet, per se, were his saves on errant snaps. The second one, where he tipped it to himself, scrambled to the right, and then performed an unpracticed rugby style punt, really saved us. Had that play turned out differently, it could very easily have led to an easy score, and the momentum of the game could have shifted significantly," said Head Football Coach Jim Catanzaro.

Gurchak had a solid day kicking field goals as well, as he connected on 2-3 field goals. His only miss, on a 50 yard attempt, clanged off the cross bar, only inches shy of tying a school record.

"I have great confidence in Jon. He didn't get all of that one, but I won't hesitate to give him another opportunity to connect on that. Jon works tirelessly on his craft. His work and his relationship with Coach Pease, has lead to a marked improvement from last season to this year," said Coach Catanzaro.

The other Foresters who were named to the Coaches Player of the Week Awards were:

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

In a great showing of community, you get to see our Alpha Phi sorority holding American Flags as our players run through a motorcycle gauntlet made of the LakeShore Harley Davidson H.O.G.S. You'll also see the members of the team carrying the flags of the different branches of the military, while each player is carrying an American Flag that they then handed to a fan in the stands.

As great as the entrance was, the honoring of three Lake County residents who served in the United States Marine Corp during WWII at the game was the most inspiring part of the day.

John Dehmlow, Al Gort, and Leo Mordini are pictured below with the Lake Forest Captains and Coach Catanzaro.

The Lake Forest American Legion Color Guard presented the Stars and Stripes for the National Anthem at Midfield, as pictured below.